Trust Board Febuary 2010 - Sandwell & West Birmingham Hospitals

SWBTB (2/10) 036 (a)
1.0 Introduction
1.1 NHS Trusts are accountable for the provision and range of infection control services
they provide In line with ‘The Health and Social Care Act 2008’.- Code of Practice
for health and adult social care on the prevention and control of infections and
related guidance’. This includes the provision of Infection Control Policies, staff
training and surveillance programmes. Within the Trust, the Infection Control
Service (ICS) has prime responsibility for infection control.
1.2 The Infection Control Committees are responsible to the Chief Executive and to the
Trust Board.
1.3 This policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Trust Board, Executive
Directors, Infection Control Service and healthcare workers in relation to infection,
prevention and control and is supported by a comprehensive range of infection
control policies aimed at specific target organisms, transmissibility and national
guidance which relate to the safe provision of infection control for patients, staff and
visitors.
1.4 Due to the diversity of specialities and clinical practices within the Trust, it is
recognised that specific procedures and guidelines may be required within
individual areas. As part of any policy/guideline development infection control
should be incorporated as a core element. If Infection Control Guidelines are
developed within departments, Infection Control should be consulted.
2.0 Objectives
2.1 To meet the statutory requirements as set out in ‘The Health and Social Care Act
2008’.- Code of Practice for health and adult social care on the prevention and
control of infections and related guidance’.
2.2 To provide an efficient, cost effective infection control service for the Trust
2.3 To utilise, develop and promote infection control practices which are cost effective,
safe and efficient, minimising the risk of patients acquiring infections during or as a
result of their stay in the hospital.
2.4 To implement the annual Programme and polices and to be responsible for
providing advice to the Trust or hospital staff on a 24 hour basis.
3.0 Scope
3.1 This policy applies to all Trust staff in all locations including temporary employees,
locums, agency staff, contractors and visiting clinicians.
4.0 Definitions
Designation
Director of Infection, Prevention and Control
Infection Control Doctor
Head of Infection Control Nursing Service
Healthcare Economy Group for Infection Control
Infection Control Nurse Advisor
Abbreviation
DIPC
ICD
HICNS
HEGIC
ICNA
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